Counting devices and methods for using same

Abstract

Disclosed herein are devices and systems for counting medication. In an aspect, the device can include a collapsible container assembly, the assembly comprising: a sheet comprising a plurality of predetermined fold lines, the plurality of predetermined fold lines configured to flex along the fold lines; wherein at least a portion of the sheet is configured to be folded along at least a portion of the fold lines into at least one predetermined shape having a predetermined volume; wherein the container assembly in a folded state is configured to releasably couple or engage a grid for collecting medication; and a grid comprising a plurality of openings, each opening configured to collect a unit of medication having a predetermined size and/or shape. Also disclosed herein are methods of using the disclosed counting devices and systems.

What is claimed: 
     
       1. A device for counting medication, the device comprising:
 a collapsible container assembly comprising a body portion, a handle portion, and a trap door portion, the container assembly comprising at least one sheet having a plurality of predetermined fold lines configured to flex along the fold lines, the at least one sheet being configured to be folded along at least a portion of the fold lines into a folded state having at least one predetermined shape and predetermined volume; and 
 a grid plate comprising a plurality of grid openings in a grid pattern, each grid opening configured to collect a unit of medication unit, the grid plate being configured to releasably couple with the container assembly for collecting medication; 
 wherein the device is configured to collect medication within the grid opening when the trap door portion is flush against an underside of the grid plate such that medication cannot fall through the grid openings; and wherein the device is configured to release collected medication from within the grid opening when the trap door portion is separated from the underside of the grid plate such that collected medication can fall from within the grid opening. 
 
     
     
       2. The device of  claim 1 , wherein the handle portion comprises a channel, and wherein the device is configured to release collected medication from within the grid openings into the channel. 
     
     
       3. The device of  claim 2 , wherein the device is configured to dispense medication from within the channel out through an opening at an end of the handle portion. 
     
     
       4. The device of  claim 3 , wherein the plurality of fold lines defines a plurality of panels. 
     
     
       5. The device of  claim 4 , wherein the plurality of panels comprises at least one of wall panels, door panels, support panels, connection tabs, extension tabs, and support tabs. 
     
     
       6. The device of  claim 5 , wherein the container assembly is further configured to have a collapsed state having a planar shape. 
     
     
       7. The device of  claim 6 , further comprising a plurality of connecting means configured to connect at a plurality of connection points for releasably maintaining the container assembly in the folded state. 
     
     
       8. The device of  claim 7 , the body portion comprises a grid plate connection point configured for detachably securing the grid plate to the body portion. 
     
     
       9. The device of  claim 8 , wherein trap door portion comprises a plurality of trap door panels and a plurality of connecting means for releasably securing the trap panels to an underside of the grid plate. 
     
     
       10. The device of  claim 8 , wherein the trap door portion comprises a closed position and an open position; wherein the closed position is when the trap door portion is flush against an underside of the grid plate such that medication cannot fall through a grid opening. 
     
     
       11. The device of  claim 10 , wherein the open position is when the trap door panel portion is separated from an underside of the grid plate such that medication can fall through a grid opening in the channel of the handle portion. 
     
     
       12. The device of  claim 11 , wherein the trap door portion is configured to go from the closed position to an open position when a pressure is exerted on the handle portion effective to separate the trap door portion from the underside of the grid plate. 
     
     
       13. The device of  claim 10 , further comprising a tension element configured to exert a vertical pressure against the trap door portion effective to maintain the trap door portion in a closed position in the absence of an opposing force. 
     
     
       14. The device of  claim 12 , wherein the fold lines comprise a living hinge. 
     
     
       15. The device of  claim 12 , further comprising a grid plate cover configured to cover at least a portion of an outer surface of the grid plate. 
     
     
       16. The device of  claim 12 , wherein the connecting means comprises a snap fastener, button fastener, and magnet and magnetic metal, or a combination thereof. 
     
     
       17. A method for dispensing medication, the method comprising
 a. providing the counting device of  claim 12 ; 
 b. collecting medication within at least one grid opening; and 
 c. dispensing the medication by releasing the medication from the grid opening. 
 
     
     
       18. The method of  claim 17 , wherein the counting device is configured to collect medication when the trap door portion is flush against an underside of the grid opening such that medication cannot fall through a grid opening. 
     
     
       19. The method of  claim 18 , wherein the counting device is configured to release the medication from within a grid opening when the trap door portion is separated from an underside of the grid plate such that medication can fall from within the grid opening. 
     
     
       20. The method of  claim 19 , dispensing the medication comprises dispensing the medication from within the channel out through an opening at the proximal end of the handle portion of the counting device.